Speaker Biograghy: Thom is a graduate of The University of Florida with a major in Architecture and a minor in Music. Thom has been employed by Delta Air Lines for over 18 years. He is currently the Airline Technical Representative for the Salt Lake City Terminal Redevelopment Programme, where he collaborates and provides insight to the SLCTRP regarding the airline's needs. His major accomplishments at Delta include filling the role of Deputy Program Director for the new JFK T4 Redevelopment Project, which opened in May 2013. Prior to JFK Thom had oversight of the Terminal A Redevelopment Project at Boston’s Logan International Airport, the first LEED certified terminal in the United States. Prior to Delta, Thom began his career at CSX Transportation, where he was the Project Executive for the first dual-hump rail yard.


Day 3 - 12 March
Session: Increasing Airport Capacity

12:55 - 13:25 - Panel Discussion: Designing for, and operating in, the new load factor
Synopsis: Load factors are at an all-time high due to larger aircraft, reduction in flight schedules and a rebounding economy. During this panel discussion, the experts will openly discuss, based on their field of expertise, the challenges that face airport planners and airport and airline operators with regard to the ever-increasing load factor. For new design, what areas are planners focusing on; for terminal operators, how are they managing and adapting existing facilities to these increased loads and how are the airlines handling all of these passengers and luggage? All of these topics, and more, will be discussed.

Audience will learn:

• How airport planners are tackling this challenge on new terminal design
• How airport operators are adapting to the increased surge of passengers
• Advantages and disadvantages to the increased load factor
• Can airlines continue to sustain and perform with the increasing load factor?
• Specific areas that are feeling the pressure and how they are being addressed